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natashaleighton_'s review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Hilariously entertaining and full of heart, What Happens On Vacation was a wonderful, rivals to lovers romance that perfectly captures the multi-faceted nature of grief and loss—without detracting from the plot’s uplifting (and swoon-worthy) rom-com tone.
One year on from the life-altering loss of her father (and the subsequent break down of her marriage), journalist Margaret is finally beginning to struggle with the changes she’s been dealt. The latest being her company (one of the most respected newspapers in Johannesburg) choosing to move operations online. Which means sharing her perfectly organised office space with fluff piece writer, Jagger Villain -whose journalistic antics (from dating trends, bad haircuts and male sex toys) are driving Margaret to distraction.
The only thing keeping her going is the company’s quiz night, and the chance to win a deluxe trip to Zanzibar —which Margaret knows would be the perfect escape for her and her mum. And with several consecutive wins under her belt she’s almost guaranteed to win. Until the unthinkable happens, and Margaret ties with her office nemesis, Jagger.
Now they’re both heading to Zanzibar and with her mum buddying up with Jagger’s father, Margaret finds herself spending waay more time with Jagger than she’s completely comfortable with. Time that may just prove the pair have far more in common than they first thought…
I’m an absolute sucker for the enemies/ rivals to lovers romances so pretty much jumped at the chance to read this. And I’m glad I did, as it was such an enjoyable summery read!
The writing was beautifully descriptive and really managed to convey the emotions of the characters to perfection. Having read (and absolutely loved) Jo Watson’s coming of age YA, Big Boned, back in 2021 it was super exciting to delve into another plus sized centred story, but for a slightly older audience.
Being plus sized myself, I did really resonate with Margaret and the insecurities she feels as a larger than average woman. Though I warn, she does come off as slightly irritating at first, especially in her snap judgment of Jagger and the type of person she believes him to be. But, as we watch her emotional barriers begin to thaw, her started to grow on me. Especially as it becomes quickly apparent her reactions are steeped grief (both from death of her father and her husband’s betrayal which ended her marriage), with her avoidance of attachments stemming from her own fear. The fear of rejection, but also of the emotional pain and heartache that loss can evoke.
Her nemesis/ co-worker (and love interest), Jagger on the other hand is practically an open book. He lives for the emotional and personal aspect of his job, meeting people and sharing their stories with the world. I loved how obviously smitten he was with Margaret from the beginning (despite her obliviousness and one sided rivalry) and couldn’t help but root for him, in all his cinnamon roll glory.
I enjoyed a lot of the supporting characters too, particularly Margaret’s free spirited (and sex positive) mum, Anke, Lesego (Margaret’s work colleague) and Leighton (Former 80s popstar and Margaret’s best friend who gives out some pretty solid and helpful life advice, along with sordid stories about his partying days.)
The setting was jaw droppingly romantic and the descriptions had me mentally planning my own Sun-filled adventure in Zanzibar. The chemistry between Margaret and Jagger was fabulously slow-burn, so do take this into consideration if that’s not your thing. However, it was the little moments of humour (from the cringey to the utterly hilarious) and realism in Watson’s portrayal of complex relationships, that really made this such compelling read.
As both Margaret and Jagger are journalists, we do delve into a little of Zanzibar’s history and culture (it’s actually the birthplace of Freddie Mercury!) But does also touch upon some of the countries’ darker history, which although quite brief (with only a couple of scenes dedicated to it) some readers may find it useful to check TWs before reading.
Overall, a fairly light hearted and enjoyable read that’s perfect for fans of office romance-based rivals to lovers or the grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity and only one bed tropes.
Also, thanks to Ana over at Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
One year on from the life-altering loss of her father (and the subsequent break down of her marriage), journalist Margaret is finally beginning to struggle with the changes she’s been dealt. The latest being her company (one of the most respected newspapers in Johannesburg) choosing to move operations online. Which means sharing her perfectly organised office space with fluff piece writer, Jagger Villain -whose journalistic antics (from dating trends, bad haircuts and male sex toys) are driving Margaret to distraction.
The only thing keeping her going is the company’s quiz night, and the chance to win a deluxe trip to Zanzibar —which Margaret knows would be the perfect escape for her and her mum. And with several consecutive wins under her belt she’s almost guaranteed to win. Until the unthinkable happens, and Margaret ties with her office nemesis, Jagger.
Now they’re both heading to Zanzibar and with her mum buddying up with Jagger’s father, Margaret finds herself spending waay more time with Jagger than she’s completely comfortable with. Time that may just prove the pair have far more in common than they first thought…
I’m an absolute sucker for the enemies/ rivals to lovers romances so pretty much jumped at the chance to read this. And I’m glad I did, as it was such an enjoyable summery read!
The writing was beautifully descriptive and really managed to convey the emotions of the characters to perfection. Having read (and absolutely loved) Jo Watson’s coming of age YA, Big Boned, back in 2021 it was super exciting to delve into another plus sized centred story, but for a slightly older audience.
Being plus sized myself, I did really resonate with Margaret and the insecurities she feels as a larger than average woman. Though I warn, she does come off as slightly irritating at first, especially in her snap judgment of Jagger and the type of person she believes him to be. But, as we watch her emotional barriers begin to thaw, her started to grow on me. Especially as it becomes quickly apparent her reactions are steeped grief (both from death of her father and her husband’s betrayal which ended her marriage), with her avoidance of attachments stemming from her own fear. The fear of rejection, but also of the emotional pain and heartache that loss can evoke.
Her nemesis/ co-worker (and love interest), Jagger on the other hand is practically an open book. He lives for the emotional and personal aspect of his job, meeting people and sharing their stories with the world. I loved how obviously smitten he was with Margaret from the beginning (despite her obliviousness and one sided rivalry) and couldn’t help but root for him, in all his cinnamon roll glory.
I enjoyed a lot of the supporting characters too, particularly Margaret’s free spirited (and sex positive) mum, Anke, Lesego (Margaret’s work colleague) and Leighton (Former 80s popstar and Margaret’s best friend who gives out some pretty solid and helpful life advice, along with sordid stories about his partying days.)
The setting was jaw droppingly romantic and the descriptions had me mentally planning my own Sun-filled adventure in Zanzibar. The chemistry between Margaret and Jagger was fabulously slow-burn, so do take this into consideration if that’s not your thing. However, it was the little moments of humour (from the cringey to the utterly hilarious) and realism in Watson’s portrayal of complex relationships, that really made this such compelling read.
As both Margaret and Jagger are journalists, we do delve into a little of Zanzibar’s history and culture (it’s actually the birthplace of Freddie Mercury!) But does also touch upon some of the countries’ darker history, which although quite brief (with only a couple of scenes dedicated to it) some readers may find it useful to check TWs before reading.
Overall, a fairly light hearted and enjoyable read that’s perfect for fans of office romance-based rivals to lovers or the grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity and only one bed tropes.
Also, thanks to Ana over at Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Slavery
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